Абай Кунанбаев

Abai Kunanbaev
Kazakh writer, poet, lyricist, social
philosopher. Born in Kazakhstan in
Semey province, Abai Kunanbaev
was educated at home and then sent
to a medressa where he learned
Arabic and Persian and became
acquainted with Eastern literature
and poetry. In Semey he actively
participated in the city's intellectual
life, studied Russian and Western
classics by Pushkin, Goethe, and
Byron and translated many of them
for the first time into Kazakh.
1845 – 1904
Writings
Abai devoted many of his works to the
violence of Kazakh labour rights e.g."Oh
my Kazakh! My poor people!". Number
of works were devoted to youth: "Our
children", "Only youth - happy flower of
life". And a real treasure is his poems
expressing his feelings and love to the
nature of his land: "Autumn", "Winter“,
“Fall” and etc.
As a gifted interpreter Abai gave Kazakh people to enjoy the pearls of russian
classic literature. During 15 years he translated more than 50 works of russian
writers like Pushkin, Lermontov, Krylov etc. Abai's literary legacy also includes a
number of ballads dedicated to eastern and western themes. Among these
fictional pieces like "Mas'ud" (1887) and "Alexander,"
Violence – насилие, treasure – сокровище, pearl – жемчужина,
legacy - грамотность
Book of Words
Kunanbaev's works were influenced
by his belief in human reason. He was
attracted to Western Enlightenment
thinking and wove criticism of
Kazakh culture into his works, most
notably in his collection of poems
called Qarasozder (often translated as
the Book of Words).
Despite the fact that many years have
passed, several generations have
changed since Abai times, “Book of
Words” is actual today as never
before, it is our reference point in life.
This book includes different topics –
Kazakhstan history, love for
fatherland, culture, people's
psychology and philosophy of life.
Enlightenment – просвещение, образование, generation - поколение
In his amazing Book of Words the poet
expressed his reflections over a period of
years, his searching and discoveries,
anxiety and despair, sorrows and joy of
revelations, anger and humility. His Book
of Words is a deeply meaningful way to
truth. The poet tirelessly reminds that
humans have the greatest value in the
world, and that they should be beautiful
and harmoniously perfect. Their souls
should also be beautiful, as should their
mind, body and feelings. Understanding
of the real world and the personal
responsibility of everyone in the world –
this is what the great poet worked for his
art and life. Abai explains that the world is
eternal, united and harmonious. Discord,
anguish, even death cannot destroy the
harmony, for they are natural.
Anxiety-беспокойство, тревога, revelation – откровение, humility – скромность
Eternal – бесконечный, discord – разногласие,
Word thirty-eight
Слово Тридцать Седьмое
While you are seeking happiness, everybody wishes you well;
But once you have attained it, your only well-wisher is yourself
Пока ты добиваешься счастья, добра тебе желают все,
но как только ты достигаешь цели, твой
доброжелатель — лишь ты сам.
Who among us have not known trouble? Only the weak lose hope.
Nothing in this world is immutable, and misfortune cannot last for ever.
Does not the bountiful and blossoming spring follow the harsh winter?
Кому из нас не приходилось бывать в беде? Теряет надежду
только слабый. Верно, что в мире нет ничего неизменного, но
ведь и зло не вечно. Разве после суровой зимы, не приходит
полноводная цветущая весна?
Word Fifteen
If you wish to be counted among the intelligent, then ask yourself once a day,
once a week, or at least once a month: “How do I live?” Have I done anything
to improve my learning, my worldly life or my life hereafter? Will I have
to swallow the bitter dregs of regret later on?
Слово Пятнадцатое
Желаешь быть в числе умных людей, спрашивай себя раз в день,
раз в неделю, или хотя бы раз в месяц: как ты живешь? Сделал ли
ты что-нибудь полезное для своего образования, для земной или
потусторонней жизни, не придется ли тебе потом испить горечь
сожаления? Или же ты и сам не заметил, не помнишь, как и чем
жил?
Word Nineteen
A child is not born a reasonable being. It is only by listening
and watching, examining everything by touching and tasting,
that it learns what is good and what is bad. The more a child
sees and hears, the more it knows.
Слово Девятнадцатое
Дитя человеческое не рождается на свет разумным.
Только слушая, созерцая, пробуя все на ощупь и на вкус,
оно начинает познавать разницу между хорошим и
плохим. Чем больше видит и слышит дитя, тем больше
узнает.
Word Four
Only the weak in spirit will withdraw into themselves abandon
themselves to bitter thoughts, without finding the least consolation
Слово Четвертое
Только слабые духом могут затвориться в себе, предаваясь
горьким раздумьям, не находя утешения.
Word Thirty three
If you want to be rich, learn a trade. Wealth diminishes with time,
but a skill does not.
Слово Тридцать Третье
Хочешь быть богатым — учись ремеслу. Богатство со
временем иссякает, а умение — нет.
The great poet of the steppe, not understood by his own people, remained alone,
face to face with God. All his powers were dedicated to the enlightenment of his
people, but the people only appreciated the enchanting melodies of his songs, and
did not comprehend the deep essence of his thoughts, did not follow his wise
advice.
That was the beginning and the end of the tragedy of Abai. He is buried near his
wintering in Zhidebai valley, not far from Chingiz mountains.
He is beautiful and great in his eternal yearning for the truth
Goethe